M240 contrast settings in RAW

[chaospress]

I just realized my M240 has contrast options when shooting in RAW. Actually going to test it this afternoon, but does anyone use this or know exactly what it does shooting in DNG/RAW?

I'm waiting to receive a 3rd version 28 Elmarit (returnable) to see how it does compared to the 28 asph, which tends to be a bit hot or contrasty on the camera in strong sun. I wonder and guess I'll see if the contrast options on the camera make this less necessary. I had a 3rd version Elmarit on my M8 a few years ago and loved the tonal character of it, especially with b&w.

At any rate does anyone change these contrast settings in the menu according to lighting conditions, and how does it do for you?

 

[MCTuomey]

Per the manual (Deutsch/English), referring to the picture properties settings (contrast, sharpness, saturation), p. 169:

The functions and settings described in the next two sections refer exclusively to pictures in one of the JPEG formats. If one of the two DNG formats is specified, these settings have no effect, as in this case the data is always saved in its original form.

As far as the 28 Elmarit-M ASPH versus the earlier non-asph version, I have no experience with the latter. I loved the ASPH version's imaging when I had one, sold it only because of its tiny size - I would unknowingly fat-finger the aperture ring and underexpose all the time. Actually loved the way it would crush blacks in harsh sun, that's the way my eye sees such light anyway.

 

[rscheffler]

I tried it a while back but didn't stick with it because I tweak each DNG in post according the image content anyway. It's similar to how I eventually ignored how images looked on the M9's LCD because many times they were so far off from what was possible in post. Setting to a lower contrast will give you an idea of how blocked up shadows will be. Ironically, even though I leave the M240 at the 'standard' settings, with my Canons I've dialed down contrast all the way for the very reason of previsualizing how much tonal range available to work with later in post.

If you're finding with the Elmarit ASPH that even after post processing your images that they are often too harsh, then a lower contrast lens should help counter this. Therefore the Elmarit v.III might still offer what you're after. It's a lens I'm also somewhat curious about, in part for gentler rendering than I sometimes get from the 28 Cron. I haven't tried the Elmarit ASPH but have read that it has a higher contrast look than the Cron.

 

[chaospress]

Here's an excellent thread on Mandler designed Leica lenses, of which the 28 Elmarit 3rd version is one and is mentioned specifically: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/45272-in-praise-of-the-mandler-lenses/
Fair warning: If you read through that thread it may cause you to reach for your pocketbook, or check your bank account to see how much spending money is or is not available. : )

The 3rd version 28 Elmarit I'll be receiving this week is actually the 3rd time I will have owned that lens, having sold two before, in part because the asph came out and was so much more compact. The 3rd version also flares if shot into the light, but I absolutely loved the black and white conversions that came from this lens and the M8. Not that the asph wasn't good too, but the 3rd has a different look, more subtle to my eyes. What's odd is that I don't recall the asph being 'hot' with the M8 in bright sun, but maybe it was. I'd have to look at some old files.

As far as the contrast settings, that's weird that they aren't automatically disabled in the menu when the camera is set to shoot DNG. Thanks for the info...

 

[Godfrey]

...
As far as the contrast settings, that's weird that they aren't automatically disabled in the menu when the camera is set to shoot DNG. Thanks for the info...

The settings affect the JPEG preview embedded in the raw files and displayed on the LCD in review even when storing only raw files.

G

 

[chaospress]

Therefore the Elmarit v.III might still offer what you're after. It's a lens I'm also somewhat curious about, in part for gentler rendering than I sometimes get from the 28 Cron. I haven't tried the Elmarit ASPH but have read that it has a higher contrast look than the Cron.

If you'd like I can give a report on the 3rd version once I shoot it on the M246, or you can message me.

Of the lenses I've used on Leica digitals, in order of overall contrast high to lower they are as follows from my experience:

Zeiss 4.5 Biogon
28mm Leica asph
28mm Leica Summicron
35 and 50 pre-asph Summicrons
28mm 3rd version Elmarit

Of course any lens requires proper exposure and post processing, it just seems that the more contrasty lenses are less forgiving.

Also, thanks Godfrey for your reply.